In this capacity, Ms. Stom directs public outreach efforts during the siting, permitting, development and construction for the agency’s water supply projects. She played a very important role in the public outreach for the nation’s largest operating, 25-million-gallon-per-day seawater desalination plant, the 15.5-billion-gallon regional reservoir, and an Enhanced Surface Water System that includes intakes on the Alafia River and Tampa Bypass Canal and a 120-million-gallon-per-day, state-of-the-art surface water treatment facility. Michelle also oversees the production of agency collateral materials including annual reports, brochures, project fact sheets, website and social media; media and speakers training for agency staff; message development and strategic communications support for agency initiatives; and serves as the Public Information Officer and media liaison in the event of agency emergencies.

Ms. Stom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism, with a minor in Business Administration, from the Pennsylvania State University; and has earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America. She has worked with Tampa Bay Water for more than 17 years and more than 23 years’ experience in public information and public relations.

Prior to joining Tampa Bay Water, Michelle worked as a Deputy Press Secretary with the Pennsylvania Department of Education where she was involved in creating education legislation; planning and executing events for the Secretary of Education and the Governor; and handling media relations on various education-related topics.